Mentoring Young Entrepreneurs to Success
- rjnh72
- Oct 13, 2020
- 1 min read
Updated: Nov 24, 2020
As a founding mentor for The Upstart Challenge, an innovative Not-For-Profit entrepreneurship ideas accelerator for teenagers, I've had an amazing privilege to experience many young peoples dreams for a better tomorrow. And have years of FUN working with outstanding community leaders who encourage young minds to voice their ideas, reshape and reimagine ways to bring these to life, and help students take their first steps toward making their dreams a reality.
The Upstart Challenge program uses Lean and Agile methodology and tools such as the Business Model Canvas to capture the essence of a teenager's social or commercial passion, explore its value potential, and map pathways to success in a fun and engaging way that culminates in a public presentation. As a volunteer mentor, I work with teams to challenge ideas and help students navigate their way to present a compelling vision of success to our community - a very fulfilling contribution to my village! In 2019, I had a ball mentoring the finalists (including the winning team!) and seeing my son and his friend engage experts to develop their idea 'Crescendo: A New Music Marketplace' into a very inspiring pitch, first conceptual prototype, and public exhibition experience.
Since 2012, the fantastic team at Upstart HQ led by Heather Kelly and Jen Perks, have grown their community reach year-on-year to educate and amplify 1000s of young changemakers.
